RICentral.comhttp://ricentral.com/node/6246/atom/feed2013-10-18T11:50:38-04:00More than just luck o' the Irish for Kelly Dance Schoolhttp://ricentral.com/content/more-just-luck-o-irish-kelly-dance-school2013-10-18T11:50:38-04:002013-10-18T11:50:38-04:00editor

COVENTRY— Two students from The Kelly School of Irish Dance were able to secure a qualifying place in the world championships after competing in California last weekend.

Julie Cronin, a mother actively involved with the dance studio, explained that on Oct. 5, Megan Quirk of East Greenwich and Claire Jalbert of Westerly traveled to Redlands, California with owner of the studio Meghan Kelly to participate in the first annual Southern California Open Feis.

COVENTRY— Two students from The Kelly School of Irish Dance were able to secure a qualifying place in the world championships after competing in California last weekend.

Julie Cronin, a mother actively involved with the dance studio, explained that on Oct. 5, Megan Quirk of East Greenwich and Claire Jalbert of Westerly traveled to Redlands, California with owner of the studio Meghan Kelly to participate in the first annual Southern California Open Feis.

“This is the first time our school traveled to the west coast,” said Cronin. “Only two girls went; I just love it and they did great. They wanted to try it out and see how the dancers made it on the other coast.”

This event, sponsored by Tir Ruaidh Irish Dance Company, featured seven dance schools from around the country including three from California, as well as schools from Utah, Michigan, Delaware, New Jersey and Rhode Island. This competition acted as a World Irish Dance Association (WIDA) world qualifier.

Both girls were able to secure a spot in the European competition by dancing their way to the top.

Quirk, who competed in seven competitions in California, took home six first place awards, one third place award and came in first overall in her division — under 26.

Jalbert competed in seven competitions as well and won an array of awards from sixth place to third place. She came in third overall in the under 15 division, which qualified her for the world championship.